Recently I had the privilege of taking pictures of Chaz Wesley. He is a inspirational speaker, spiritual coach, grief and
bereavement lecturer, ordained inter-faith minister, published author
and hospice chaplain.Whew! And I thought I had a lot on my plate! Not only does he have all of those titles he does all those jobs fantastically.
Now to me Chaz is Charlie. Charlie and I .... we go WAAAAY back! We grew up in the same Southern Baptist church in a small rural town in Oklahoma. I have a sweet place in my heart for all of Charlie's family.
First there is his Mama, Linda. She was an amazing woman. I remember when God did something in my life she was one of the first people I called to tell about it. She went to be with the Lord a few years back and I think of her often and always see her sitting at the feet of Jesus soaking Him in.
Then there is his Dad Bob. My Bob. When I was 7 I had such a crush on Bob. I did my best every Sunday to convince my Mom to let me sit next to Bob and Linda. Bob always had juicy fruit gum. (Bob are you reading this? Let me apologize for my public display of affection. I just can't help it)
Some Sundays when I worked it just right, I would go home with Bob, Linda, Charlie and Doug. We'd eat lunch, and then head to the barn to play until night church. Life was simple then.
Charlie and I found each other on facebook and after seeing me post some pictures he asked if I could come hang out with him and get some shots for him to use on his web site, printed fliers etc.Well yea! I'll be right over!
It took about 3 seconds after arriving at Charlies house to feel at home. His home is warm and inviting and he has a way of putting you instantly at ease. It was just like old times.
I wish we had invited Bob.
Walking around his neighborhood we came across some great places to catch a few shots. The first one was sweet! Just look at it! Yellow leaves, shade and light at just the right places, texture of a brick wall and Charlie, a natural. Couldn't have asked for better if you ask me.
We took a few shots and then headed back to his house for him to quick (cough/choke) change and then headed back out in the sweet afternoon sunlight to get some more shots.
As you can see he is a natural in front of the camera. We walked, talked, posed and shot, and talked some more. It was a great afternoon catching up on things with his brother and his Dad (smile!). We talked about old times, good times, and sad times.
Passing by this tree he said, "What if I got behind the tree? Wouldn't
that be some good shots?" Go for it I tell him. He went into this
automatic model serious I'm pretty face and I was floored! I'd not seen
this Charlie before. He was workin it! These shots were going to be
good!
Looking through the view finder I said, "This is not the Charlie Gaut I kissed in the barn" and the shot above is the response I got. Bamb! There was my childhood friend smiling back at me. Then he said I kissed Doug more than him.
What was with me and these Gaut men?
Linda, if you can hear me from heaven I am sorry that my 7 year old self was chasing after the men in your family. Thank you for loving me anyway.
After a long afternoon session we ended up at a wonderful Mexican resturant owned by Charlies friend/neighbor where I was introduced to the best chocolate pie I have ever tasted.
Charlie, it was great being with you again. After all these years it was just like coming home. Easy friendships like yours are hard to come by and I am thankful and blessed to have had that time with you.
